A nurse manager is planning an in-service for a group of nurses about caring for clients following stem cell transplants. Which of the following instructions should the nurse manager include in the teaching?
A.
Assign two clients who have had a stem cell transplant to the same room.
B.
Obtain a rectal temperature on clients every 4 hours.
C.
Wear an N95 respirator mask while caring for these clients.
D.
Place clients in positive-pressure airflow rooms.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. Place clients in positive-pressure airflow rooms.
Explanation:
Stem cell transplants, including bone marrow transplants, are critical procedures often used to treat various cancers and blood disorders. These clients are at a significant risk for infections post-transplant because the procedure involves high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to eradicate the patient’s bone marrow, leaving them with a compromised immune system until the transplanted stem cells engraft and start producing new blood cells.
Positive-Pressure Airflow Rooms:
The primary goal in the care of clients following stem cell transplants is to minimize the risk of infection. These clients should be placed in positive-pressure airflow rooms, also known as protective isolation rooms. Positive-pressure rooms are designed to keep airborne pathogens from entering the room. The air pressure inside the room is higher than that outside the room, so when the door is opened, air flows out rather than in, thereby reducing the risk of introducing infectious agents. This environment is crucial in protecting immunocompromised clients from potentially life-threatening infections.
Other Options Explained:
- A. Assign two clients who have had a stem cell transplant to the same room: This is incorrect because clients who have had a stem cell transplant should be placed in private rooms to further reduce their risk of infection. Shared rooms increase the potential for cross-contamination between clients.
- B. Obtain a rectal temperature on clients every 4 hours: This is incorrect because rectal temperatures are contraindicated in clients with compromised immune systems due to the risk of introducing bacteria from the rectum into the bloodstream, leading to potential sepsis.
- C. Wear an N95 respirator mask while caring for these clients: While this might seem like a reasonable infection control measure, N95 masks are typically used to protect healthcare workers from airborne diseases such as tuberculosis. In the context of protecting clients who have undergone stem cell transplants, the focus is on preventing external pathogens from reaching the client, making the use of positive-pressure rooms more appropriate. However, in specific situations where the client has a known airborne infectious disease, N95 masks may be required.
In summary, placing clients in positive-pressure airflow rooms is essential to minimize infection risks during their vulnerable post-transplant period. This measure, combined with strict infection control practices, provides the best protection for these immunocompromised clients.